Pimentel is slated to open the season in the bullpen as a long reliever but will be a candidate for spot starts. Just 24, he will be a candidate for the starting rotation in 2015, when the Pirates may have to replace Wandy Rodriguez, Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez.

Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury took batting practice and ran the bases after playing in two consecutive days of minor league games. He had missed the previous 1½ weeks due to right calf tightness. Ellsbury is scheduled to play in games Friday and Saturday, and is expected to be ready for the opener.